Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Silver, a linear switch. The Gateron Melodic stands out for its innovative design, featuring smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems that provide a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with enhanced smoothness. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver offers a linear typing experience without any tactile bump or audible click. While the Melodic switch is praised for being 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Silver switch does not have any specific categorizations. If you prefer a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Gateron Melodic may be the way to go. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and Outemu Silver switches share many similarities, as both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. This means that both the Melodic and Silver switches will likely produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to their top housing material.
However, where these switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Gateron Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, meaning that both switches will have a similar impact when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, thanks to the qualities of the nylon material.
In summary, while both the Gateron Melodic and Outemu Silver switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Melodic's nylon bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silver's nylon bottom housing will provide a similar effect. Ultimately, the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the typing experience, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Melodic switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires minimal force to trigger a keystroke, making it lighter than the Silver switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Melodic requires 60 grams while the Silver requires 65 grams, making the Silver switch slightly heavier. This means that while the Melodic switch may be more effortless to type on, the Silver switch offers a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it can be seen that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is identical for both switches. Therefore, when it comes to the travel distance of these switches, users can expect similar results in terms of the distance they feel when pressing down on a key. As a result, there is no distinction in terms of travel distance between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, as they both offer a travel distance of 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The Outemu Silver comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile and a crisp, immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is praised for its buttery and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with seamless typing sensation. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch is also unknown. While it is unknown how the Silver switch would compare in terms of feel, the Melodic switch offers a tactile experience that many users find satisfying.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch excels in both sound and feel, providing a resonant and crunchy typing sound along with a buttery and invigorating tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch may offer different qualities that might appeal to users seeking a different typing experience. It is worth noting that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the best switch for each user, and trying out different switches is the best way to find the one that suits your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the following guidelines. You may want to opt for the Gateron Melodic switch if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound profile, along with a buttery or invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and value a linear switch without specific sound or feel characteristics, the Outemu Silver switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding typing experience and switch characteristics.
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